Archive for January, 2017

California fire departments that utilize TargetSolutions to track training hours for the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC) reimbursement program, will benefit from recent enhancements to the computer-based training system.

Upgrades have been implemented to more accurately report JAC training hours while eliminating the ability to accidentally double dip.

A new “reimbursement” category has been added to the solution. This new feature will enable platform managers to more accurately pull records that will be submitted to JAC or the community college.

Platform managers will now track all JAC personnel in this new category called “Reimbursement Status.” The upgrades accomplish the following:

• This special category will prevent users to simultaneously exist in both JAC and Community College reimbursement status groups, which prevents double-dipping
• Platform managers will now be able to see their users’ reimbursement status history in the reimbursement category
• Additional enhancements to the Manage Organization functionality allows platform managers to efficiently move users in or out of the JAC program en masse and enter IDs from one page, rather than one by one in Manage Users

Please click here for more information on this new functionality.

“TargetSolutions’ JAC reporting solution offers the ability to automatically track JAC codes for completed training and easily report monthly training records to JAC,” said Product Manager Misty Pratt. “With TargetSolutions, agencies can now accurately report JAC training hours and prevent the possibility of double-dipping. These enhancements make the tool even more efficient and effective.”

If you have any questions about these enhancements, please contact us today at (800) 840-8048.

With the increased popularity of Health and Wellness programs, it’s important to remember your employees are the focus. Organizations implementing wellness plans are taking preventative measures that empower the workforce and develop healthy habits.

TargetSolutions’ customizable Health and Wellness credential provides a unique experience that matches your company’s needs. This pre-built program, available upon request from TargetSolutions’ account managers, covers various subjects from TargetSolutions’ Professional Development catalog, including nutrition and fitness, tobacco, drug, and alcohol use, sleep deprivation, and stress management.

In addition to improving employees’ physical and mental health, you can deliver courses regarding more personal matters. These courses discuss divorce and other major life changes that can be explored at the employee’s discretion.

“Whether you use TargetSolutions’s customizable credential to supplement your existing Health and Wellness program, or as a baseline for starting one, you will be helping your employees improve their quality of life.”

Jennifer Jones, Client Services Manager

Last year, TargetSolutions’ Wellness Team initiated the “Steptember” and “Walktober” competitions to challenge employees and get them moving during September and October. However, you don’t need a designated wellness team to get started. All you need is to pick and choose courses or activities that align with your company’s culture; whether they be once a month or once a year.

TargetSolutions’ Health and Wellness program provides the tools you need to create a healthier workforce. With a more health conscious team, your company experiences increased productivity, unity, and satisfaction. The organization itself also benefits from fewer compensation claims and fewer days missed.

A Health and Wellness program communicates an organization cares about its employees. Offering custom courses to better your team brings people together and enriches their lives.

Are you interested in building a customized Health and Wellness program for your organization? If so, please contact TargetSolutions at (800) 840-8048 to learn more.

Organizations across the country trust TargetSolutions to deliver online training courses that are not only engaging, but current with occupational standards and accreditation. This commitment to excellence explains why the total number of course completions goes higher and higher each year. That was certainly the case in 2016, which saw a 16 percent increase in completions from 2015.

Here are the top 10 most popular courses based on the total number of completions from 2016:

Bloodborne Pathogens Safety: The most popular course in TargetSolutions’ catalog, Bloodborne Pathogens Safety, complies with the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act to minimize the risk of various diseases through bloodborne pathogens.

First Responder Operations Level Refresher (Modules 1-4): The First Responder Operations Level Refresher Series relates to safety regulations and procedures for hazardous material releases. This extremely popular course covers the use of hazardous materials during a terrorist attack, among other topics.

Sexual Harassment Awareness: Sexual harassment is an issue across all workforces and this important course covers methods to deal with and prevent incidents for a safe and productive workplace. An important factor in this course’s popularity is the fact it meets California’s AB 1825 requirement.

Child Abuse: Mandated Reporter Training: This California-state mandated training presents the laws and steps to report abuse and protect children.

EMS HIPAA Awareness: EMS HIPPA Awareness addresses federal regulations and the responsibilities of EMS personnel and agencies to protect patient health information.

Back Injury Prevention: Since back injuries are common in the workplace, the Back Injury Prevention course discusses how to protect your organization and exercises that strengthen the back.

Hearing Conservation: The Hearing Conservation course goes over the anatomy, function, and sensitivity of the ear to prevent hearing loss when working under certain conditions.

NFPA 1500 Hazard Communication: The hazard communication course covers the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) when dealing with chemical hazards to prevent adverse health effects.

Lock-Out/Tag-Out: The Lock-Out/Tag-Out course helps ensure employees are trained to maintain energy control programs and are safeguarded from hazardous energy while handling equipment.

Slips, Trips, and Falls Prevention: As falls are a common workplace safety hazard, TargetSolutions’ Slips, Trips, and Falls Prevention helps identify potential risks.

Many courses include information relevant across all industries, while other courses are unique to the standards of an organization. With engaging online training courses that are available 24/7, TargetSolutions is dedicated to helping public entities achieve compliance and reduce risk.

If you have any questions about TargetSolutions’ online training library, please contact us today at (800) 840-8048.

The average firefighter is no stranger to danger. In fact, they’re well acquainted. When risking everything to enter a fire zone or similar environment, it’s of the utmost importance that firefighters are also acquainted with the life-saving self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

TargetSolutions’ NFPA 1001-level online training course, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, packs the essentials of SCBA into 10 learning modules and tests your knowledge with a 10-question exam. Students will explore the legal requirements for SCBA as well as conditions requiring its utilization.

This 60-minute lesson has recently been updated with new content and enhanced multimedia. After completing this course, students will understand the following:

• Importance of SCBA fit testing
• Various types of SCBAs
• Limitations firefighters face when using SCBAs
• Potential SCBA malfunctions or emergencies
• Maintenance and inspection procedures for SCBA

For more information on this course or other courses inside TargetSolutions’ online firefighter training catalog, please contact TargetSolutions today at (800) 840-8048.

Born in Upland, Calif., raised in Carlsbad, and now living in San Diego with her dog Flynn, Krista Woodin is a true California girl.

Krista became a Client Services Representative in October of 2016 after learning about the opportunity through her close friend Julie Blosch, who works as an account manager at TargetSolutions.

Krista has worked in various industries and is no stranger to customer service. She previously was an account representative for Cali Bamboo. Now that she is at TargetSolutions, she is fitting in perfectly.

“I love the people I work with at TargetSolutions,” Krista said. “Everyone is so friendly and willing to help. I love working in an industry where our customers create positive change for their communities.”

She traveled outside the country for the first time last October and is looking forward to exploring more places and expanding her horizons!

Learn more about Krista with this Q-and-A:

 What is your favorite hobby?

Hiking and running.

What is your favorite food?

Burritos with salsa – LOTS of salsa. (Although I usually eat chicken and veggies…)

If you could visit anywhere, where would you go?

I have a trip planned for Dubai and Tanzania in May, but I’d also love to visit Greece or Thailand!

What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?

Coldplay. Hands down. I’m going to see them again in October!

What is your favorite movie?

I don’t have any in particular, but I love comedies!

What is your favorite sports team?

Chargers! Bolt up!

Are you a cat or dog person?

Dog person!

What is your favorite type of weather?

Overcast! Although I got over it when I lived in San Francisco.

What is your favorite book?

I don’t read too many books, but I’m currently reading “The Five Love Languages.

What is one fun fact about yourself?

When I was 6 years old I changed my name to Nikki (not legally!). I changed it back after moving to Carlsbad, but my family and old friends still call me by that name!

Are you using TargetSolutions to manage your fire department’s training? Are you currently researching which computer-based system best suits your agency’s needs? Do you like appetizers?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are going to want to reserve your spot for TargetSolutions’ Networking & Training Workshop, which is scheduled Feb.7 during the annual Firehouse World conference in downtown San Diego.

Hosted atop the Marriott Gaslamp Quarter at the Altitude Sky Lounge, this event is an opportunity to meet with TargetSolutions account managers, learn more about the industry’s most powerful online training management system, and network with pre-eminent fire department training officers.

Platform managers and prospective users alike are welcome to attend the workshop, which will explore optimum strategies for maximizing the platform’s functionality for scheduling, delivering, tracking, and reporting training and compliance.

Attendees will also be able to discuss firefighter training best practices, as well as tips and tricks for utilizing TargetSolutions.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for platform managers to learn new techniques on how to tailor the TargetSolutions platform to meet their agency’s specific needs,” said Kegan Konrady, who will emcee the event and serves as TargetSolutions’ regional sales manager.

“We appreciate our customers and without them, we wouldn’t be here. This is a chance for us to not just show our appreciation, but provide training officers and chiefs the opportunity to learn from each other. It never ceases to amaze me how the platform is being used in so many ways. It’s truly a great thing to see.”

TargetSolutions will also announce this year’s winners of the same three prestigious awards that were given out at last year’s event.

The Vanguard Award will be delivered to an individual dedicated to providing outstanding firefighter training, the Technology Achievement Award will go to an individual constantly looking to maximize TargetSolutions’ technology, and the Helping Hand Award is for an individual who has gone above and beyond to help TargetSolutions or other agencies utilize the platform.

In addition, complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served during this lively gathering at one of San Diego’s most picturesque locations.

To reserve your spot for the Networking & Training Workshop, please click here. If you have any questions, contact us today at (800) 840-8048.